Print-level sensing for interactive play with a printed image

ABSTRACT

A method, system, and apparatus are provided for interactively playing with a printed image. A printed image resembling a game board, book, or picture, is provided. The printed image includes a plurality of feedback areas in which an indicator color is printed of a predetermined wavelength of light. A figurine is provided that includes a light source, a light sensor, and a plurality of outputs is associated with each color of indicator color. The light source and light sensor are placed in proximity to one of the feedback areas in the image. Activation of the figurine causes the light source to illuminate a feedback area and the sensor to determine the wavelength of light of the illuminated feedback area. A controller selects one of the plurality of outputs associated with the indicator color and an output component provides the selected output.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/540,299, entitled “PRINT-LEVEL SENSING FOR INTERACTIVE PLAY WITH APRINTED IMAGE”, filed Jul. 2, 2012, having Attorney Docket No.HALC.161600.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims below, not thissummary. A high-level overview of various aspects of the invention areprovided here for that reason, to provide an overview of the disclosure,and to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described inthe Detailed-Description section below. This summary is not intended toidentify key features or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation todetermine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In brief and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among otherthings, systems, methods, and apparatus for providing interactive playwith use of printed materials. A printed image is provided with aplurality of feedback areas therein. The feedback areas are each printedwith a predetermined level of an indicator color. A figurine is providedthat includes a light source and light sensor disposed therein and whichare configured to identify a designated level of the indicator color inthe feedback areas when the figurine is placed in contact or inproximity to the feedback area. The light sensor is communicativelycoupled to a logic controller that selects a predetermined feedback tobe output upon sensing of the designated level of the indicator color.The figurine is thus useable with the printed image to interact with ascene, game, or story printed thereon and to provide audible, visual,and/or tactile outputs to a user.

The printed image might also include a number of hidden graphics printedthereon in an ink that is substantially invisible or unrecognizable inthe printed image when in an equilibrium state. The figurine might alsoinclude a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits an activating light in awavelength suitable to at least temporarily activate the ink. As such,the figurine is useable to reveal the hidden graphics by passing inclose proximity to the hidden images and exposing the hidden graphics tothe activating light.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail belowwith reference to the attached drawing figures, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a sample printed image with a plurality of feedback areasthereon in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sample figurine for use in combinationwith the printed image of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 is bottom plan view of the figurine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the figurine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of afigurine constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the figurine of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is schematic view of electrical components positioned in afigurine constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of select embodiments of the invention is describedwith specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. The descriptionitself, however, is not intended to necessarily limit the scope ofclaims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in otherways to include different components, steps, or combinations thereofsimilar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction withother present or future technologies. Terms should not be interpreted asimplying any particular order among or between various steps hereindisclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps isexplicitly described.

Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and apparatus forproviding interactive play and/or learning with a printed image. Withreference to the figures and to FIG. 1 in particular, a printed image 10suitable for use in embodiments of the invention is described. The image10 comprises any printed media including, for example, and notlimitation, a game board, a poster, pages in a book, a greeting card, afoldable play mat, or the like. The image 10 might also includedisplayed images such as an image displayed on a tablet computingdevice, computer display screen, television, or the like. Thisparticular exemplary image 10 depicts a race course 12 for a vehicle tofollow; however, any desired illustration, graphics, images, or the likecan be employed. The depiction of the image 10 is exemplary in natureand is not intended in any way to limit the content that might beprovided in the image 10 in embodiments of the invention.

The image 10 includes a registration area 14 and a plurality of feedbackareas 16A-F. Although six feedback areas 16A-F are shown in the image10, any number of feedback areas 16A-F might be employed. Theregistration area 14 and each of the plurality of feedback areas 16A-Fare of any shape and size and can be positioned in any desired locationin the image 10. The areas 14 and 16A-F are visible or aredistinguishable in the image 10 or might be visually indistinguishable,as depicted by their dashed outline shown in FIG. 1. The areas 14 and16A-F might be visually defined by features in the image 10 such as astarting block 18, a driveway 20, or a finish block 22. The areas 14 and16A-F might be associated with or adjacent to features in the image 10depicting objects, such as, bystanders 24, a fallen tree 26, a pit stop28, an oil slick 30, or a park 32. In another embodiment, the areas 14and 16A-F are not associated with any feature or visual depiction in theimage 10 or are associated with a portion of text (not shown) in theimage 10.

The areas 14 and 16A-F each include an indicator color printed withintheir boundary. The indicator color comprises any available color, e.g.cyan, magenta, yellow, gray, green, orange, purple, black, or white,that can be printed in the printed image 10. In an embodiment, theindicator color is printed with an ink, dye, or pigment, or otherformulation that is substantially not visible to a human viewer understandard lighting and viewing conditions.

The indicator color is printed in each of the areas 14 and 16A-F at arespective level that is the same or different between each of the areas14 and 16A-F. The printing of the indicator color is equally distributedacross the areas 14 and 16A-F. The level of the indicator colorcomprises the percentage of area covered by the indicator color withinthe areas 14 and 16A-F. In an embodiment, the indicator color and theimage 10 are printed as a plurality of tightly spaced dots as is knownin the art; the percentage of the number of dots comprising theindicator color is useable to determine the area percentage of theindicator color and/or the level of the indicator color.

Levels of the indicator color are defined for each of a plurality ofdifferent area percentages that are reliably distinguishable by a sensor(such as a sensor 104 described below). In an embodiment, the levels areselected with a sufficient difference therebetween to account forvariations in printings of the image 10 and in calibrations of sensorsused to sense the levels as described below. For example, eightdifferent levels of the indicator color might be defined correspondingto area percentages of the indicator color including 100%, 72%, 59%,47%, 37%, 23%, 12%, and 0%. In embodiments, any number of levelscorresponding with any desired area percentages of the indicator colorare defined.

The printing of the indicator color in the areas 14 and 16A-F can berecognizable by a viewer or can be masked by other printing in the image10, e.g. where blue is used as an indicator color, the areas 14 and16A-F might appear blue or the blue color might be masked by otherprinting to cause the areas 14 and 16A-F to appear another color. Inanother embodiment, a plurality of different indicator colors isemployed, e.g. red and blue are both used as indicator colors and levelsthereof are defined.

The registration area 14 is specifically demarcated in the image 10 suchthat a user can recognize the registration area 14 as such and recognizeits location in the image 10. The level of the indicator color printedin the registration area 14 is useable to identify a template thatdefines outputs associated with each of the feedback areas 16A-F asdescribed more fully below. The registration area 14 may include a levelof the indicator color that is not used in the feedback areas 16A-F toenable the registration area 14 to be differentiated from the feedbackareas 16A-F. In an embodiment, a different indicator color is used forthe registration area 14 than for the feedback areas 16A-F.

In another embodiment, the registration area 14 includes a plurality ofsections 34A-B. Two sections 34A and 34B are depicted in the image 10,however any number of sections 34 can be employed in embodiments of theinvention. Each of the sections 34A-B includes a different level of theindicator color. In an embodiment in which more than two sections 34 areprovided, two or more non-adjacent sections 34 might include the samelevels of the indicator color. The combination of the plurality ofsections 34A-B is thus useable to identify the template for outputsassociated with the feedback areas 16A-F.

As described previously, the feedback areas 16A-F are each printed withthe indicator color at a respective level. Each of the feedback areas16A-F can be printed with a different level or one or more of thefeedback areas 16A-F can be printed with the same level of the indicatorcolor. Based on the template identified from the registration area 14,each of the feedback areas 16A-F are associated with one or moreoutputs; feedback areas 16A-F that are printed with the same level ofthe indicator color will be associated with the same one or moreoutputs. The outputs include any form of audible, visual, and/or tactileoutput or combinations thereof, e.g. sounds, lights, and vibrations. Inan embodiment, the one or more of the outputs includes an audiblereading of a script or story associated with the image 10 or acorresponding feedback area 16A-F.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the image 10includes one or more hidden graphics 36A-D printed therein. The hiddengraphics 36A-D are printed in an ink, dye, pigment, or other formulationthat is substantially imperceptible or not visible to a viewer understandard lighting conditions until the ink is activated by an activatinglight or other energy, e.g. ultraviolet or infrared light. In anembodiment, the hidden graphics 36A-D are printed in a photochromic inkor a phosphorescent ink.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-4, a figurine 100 that is useable toprovide interactive play and/or learning with the image 10 is describedin accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As depicted in FIGS.2-4, the figurine 100 resembles a toy vehicle and driver, e.g. a cardriven by a frog; however, the figurine 100 can take any desired form.For example, the figurine 100 might be formed to resemble an animal-likeform, e.g. a dog, or a humanoid form, such as a figurine 200 depicted inFIGS. 5-6. The figurine 100 includes a light source 102 and a lightsensor 104 disposed in a body 106 of the figurine 100. In an embodiment,the light source 102 and the light sensor 104 are disposed in a bottomsurface 108 of the figurine 100.

The light source 102 comprises any available light source such as alight-emitting diode (LED), incandescent light, fluorescent light, orthe like. The light source 102 is configured to emit light of at least awavelength sufficient to reveal or be reflected by the indicator colorprinted on the image 10. The light source 102 can be tuned to emit lightat only a single wavelength, within one or more bands of wavelengths, oracross a spectrum of wavelengths. In an embodiment, the light source 102emits light within a band of wavelengths or a spectrum that correspondswith the color of the indicator color, e.g. the light source 102 emitslight within the blue portion of the spectrum of visible light tocorrespond with a blue indicator color printed on the image 10. Inanother embodiment, the light source 102 is a multicolor LED, the colorof light emitted from which is selectable and/or changeable between avariety of colors.

The light sensor 104 is useable to detect light emitted by the lightsource 102 that is reflected off of the image 10. The light sensor 104includes any available sensor technology, such as, for example and notlimitation, photosensors, photodetectors, charge-coupled devices (CCD),complementary metal-oxide-semiconductors (CMOS), photodiodes, or thelike. In an embodiment, the light sensor 104 comprises aphototransistor. The light sensor 104 may include a filter (not shown)that filters light that is not reflected by the indicator color printedon the image 10. For example, when a light source 102 emits white lightand a red indicator color is employed in the image 10, a filter might beemployed that only allows light in the red spectrum to pass through tothe sensor 104.

The sensor 104 can be selected and configured to detect the lightreflected by the indicator color in the image in any desired manner. Forexample, the sensor 104 might be configured to detect the intensity orluminance of the reflected light or the sensor 104 might sense thepercentage of a sampled area that reflects the light emitted by thelight source 102.

The light source 102 and the sensor 104 are disposed on the figurine 100in close proximity to allow light emitted by the light source 102 to bereflected off of the image 10 and to the sensor 104. In an embodiment,the light source 102 and sensor 104 are disposed within a shroud 110extending from the bottom surface 108 of the figurine 100. The shroud110 extends a sufficient distance to contact or nearly contact a surfaceof the image 10 when the figurine 100 is placed on the surface of theimage 10. The shroud 110 thus functions to block all or a substantialportion of environmental light around the figurine 100 and the image 10from reaching the sensor 104 and interfering therewith. In anembodiment, as depicted in FIG. 6, a light source 202 and sensor 204,similar to the light source 102 and sensor 104, are disposed within arecess 212 in an appendage 214, e.g. a foot, of the figurine 200. Asidewall 217 of the recess 212 thus functions similarly to the shroud110 to block environmental light from reaching the sensor 204 when thefigurine 200 is placed on the image 10.

As depicted in FIG. 7, the figurine 100 also includes a controlcomponent 116 disposed therein. The control component 116 includes alogic controller, processor, or other control component known in theart. The control component 116 may be coupled to a memory 118 disposedin the figurine 100 and/or may include an internal memory. In anembodiment, the figurine 100 includes an adaptor 120 for coupling to aremovable memory or external computing device, such as a universalserial bus (USB) adaptor or a memory card adaptor for storing,accessing, and/or receiving data. In an embodiment, the memory 118 ispreprogrammed with one or more templates for use by the controlcomponent 116.

The memory 118 may include one or more computer-readable media on whicha set of instructions is embodied. Computer-readable media include bothvolatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and nonremovable media.Computer-readable media include media implemented in any way for storinginformation other than transitory signals, carrier waves, and the like.Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions,data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Mediaexamples include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flashmemory or other memory technology, compact-disc read-only memory(CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or otheroptical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage, and other magnetic storage devices. These technologies canstore data momentarily, temporarily, or permanently.

The control component 116 is also coupled to a power supply or source122, such as a dry-cell battery, and to the light source 102 and thesensor 104. Output devices 126 are also coupled to the control component116 for providing audible, visible, or tactile outputs. The outputdevices 126 comprise one or more of speakers, lights, vibrationcomponents, or the like. One or more functional components (not shown),such as a power switch, mode selector, or the like might also beincluded.

In an embodiment, the figurine 100 includes one or more activating-lightsources 124 disposed therein. The activating-light sources 124 aredisposed along the bottom surface 108 of the figurine 100 to enableexposure of the graphics 36A-D in the image 10 to light emitted by theactivating-light sources 124. In an embodiment, the activating-lightsources 124 are disposed in any position on the figurine 100, e.g. asheadlights on a vehicle, or the like. The activating-light sources 124comprise a light source configured to emit light or other radiant energysufficient to activate the ink or other formulation in which thegraphics 36A-D are printed. In an embodiment, the activating-lightsources 124 comprise ultraviolet-light LEDs configured to activate aphotochromic ink in which the graphics 36A-D are printed.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, the operation of the figurine 100with the image 10 is described in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. The description of the use of the figurine 100 with the image10 is described with respect to the image 10 being placed on a flatsurface in a generally horizontal plane and the figurine 100 beingplaced on top of the image 10. However, such is not intended to limitembodiments of the invention in any way.

Initially, the image 10 is provided and the figurine 100 is powered on.The registration area 14, the feedback areas 16A-F, and the graphics36A-D are not initially visible or identifiable in the image 10. Theregistration area 14 is, however, designated as a starting point forinteraction with the image 10, e.g. as a starting area for the racecourse 12. In another embodiment, the registration area 14 is identifiedin any desired manner. For example, the registration area 14 mightcomprise a designated location near an edge of the image 10, adesignated region associated with the image 10 on a separate card ortable of contents page (not shown) that also includes registration areasassociated with a plurality of additional images, or a starting pointfor a line of text, among a variety of others. In an embodiment, theregistration area is illustrated as a pair of footprints on which thefigurine 200 is to be placed.

The image 10 is first registered with the figurine 100 by placing thefigurine 100 on the registration area 14. The light source 102 in thefigurine 100 emits light that is directed toward the image 10 and isreflected off the image 10 toward the sensor 104. In an embodiment, thelight emitted by the light source 102 is configured to correspond withthe indicator color printed in the image 10 such that the light is onlyreflected by areas of the registration area 14 that include theindicator color. Areas of the registration area 14 that include othercolors absorb the emitted light and do not reflect it.

The sensor 104 receives the reflected light and sends a signal to thecontrol component 116 that is useable to identify the level of theindicator color printed in the registration area 14. In an embodiment,the sensor 104 includes a filter that filters out reflected light thatis of a wavelength that does not correspond to the indicator color orthat does not fall within a band or spectrum of wavelengths thatcorrespond to the indicator color.

In an embodiment, the registration area 14 includes a plurality ofsections 34A-B. The figurine 100 is thus moved across the registrationarea 14 to enable sensing of the levels in each of the sections 34A-B.The figurine 100 might be moved in a direction indicated in the image10, e.g. the figurine 100 might be moved in the direction of the racecourse 12 to enable sensing of the levels in the sections 34A-B in adesignated order. In another embodiment, a plurality of sensors 104 areemployed, each being aligned with a different section 34A-B to sense thelevels in each of the sections 34A-B without moving the figurine 100.For example, the figurine 200 might include a light source 202 andsensor 204 in each foot 214 and, each foot 214 is placed on a differentsection 34A-B.

Based on the level(s) of the indicator color sensed in the registrationregion 14, the control component 116 identifies a template associatedwith the image 10. The template might be identified based on sensing ofa single or a plurality of levels or based on a particular sequence inwhich the levels are sensed. As described previously, the templateidentifies one or more outputs associated with levels of the indicatorcolor that might be sensed in the feedback areas 16A-F. The templatemight include outputs for more levels than are used in the feedbackareas 16A-F. And the template might be customized for use with theparticular image 10 or can be useable with a plurality of differentimages.

In an embodiment, the template is useable with a variety of images 10,the feedback areas 16 of which are appropriately arranged to provideoutputs that correspond with the content of a given image 10. Forexample, if a first level of the indicator color corresponds with anaudible output comprising a laughing character, feedback areas in eachof a variety of images that employ the template and that include thefirst level of the indicator color are positioned such that a laughingcharacter output corresponds with illustrations in the image at thatposition. Additionally, each level of the indicator color may correspondwith different outputs for each template that is provided, e.g. for afirst template the first level corresponds with a laughing character,while in a second template the first level corresponds with flashinglights and vibrations.

In an embodiment, a plurality of indicator colors are used. An equalplurality of light sources 102 and sensors 104 might also be employed orany combination thereof that is useable to sense the levels of each ofthe indicator colors can be used. In such an embodiment, the templatecan be identified based on the level(s) of one or more of the indicatorcolors sensed in the registration area 14.

Upon identification of the template that corresponds with theregistration area 14, play may commence. In an embodiment, an output isprovided that indicates successful identification of the template. Anoutput might also be provided that corresponds with the image 10. Forexample, a sound of a roaring engine or squealing tires might beprovided for the image 10. In an embodiment, the provided output is ofshort duration or the output persists as background or ambient soundsthat might be expected in an environment illustrated in the image 10.The output might persist until a feedback area 16A-F is encountered,until a subsequent registration area 14 is encountered, or until thefigurine 100 is powered off.

A user moves the figurine 100 about the image 10, for example along therace course 12. When the figurine 100 encounters a feedback area 16A-F,a level of the indicator color is sensed and an output identified basedon the template is provided. For instance, a user moving the figurine100 along the race course 12 might encounter the feedback areas 16A-F.In the feedback area 16A, the user might receive the sound of cheersfrom the bystanders 24; in the feedback area 16B the figurine mightvibrate and sounds of vehicle crashing into the fallen tree 26 might beprovided; in the feedback area 16C sounds of someone slurping a drinkthrough a straw might be provided; in the feedback area 16D sounds ofscreeching tires and illuminated brake lights might be provided as ifthe figurine 100 hit the oil slick 30; and at the feedback area 16Esounds of cheers for finishing a race might be provided. The user mightalso deviate away from the race course 12 and encounter the feedbackarea 16F at which sounds of children playing in a park or someonesnoring while taking a nap in the park 32 might be provided.

In an embodiment, the figurine also includes the activating-lightsources 124. Thus, as the figurine 100 is moved along the race course 12and over the graphics 36A-D the graphics are temporarily revealed to theuser. As the figurine 100 passes over the graphic 36A, theactivating-light sources, e.g. ultraviolet LEDs, activate thephotochromic ink used to print the graphic 36A and an arrow pointing theway is revealed. Subsequently, the arrow graphic 36A slowly disappearsas the photochromic ink returns to an equilibrium state. As the figurine100 is further moved along the race course 12, the graphic 36B isrevealed to show the word “GO!,” the graphic 36C is revealed to depict acold beverage, and the graphic 36D is revealed to show a checkered flag.It is understood that any variety, number, and arrangement of graphicscan be employed in embodiments of the invention without departing fromthe scope described herein. The graphics 36A-D might correspond with oneor more of the feedback areas 16A-F, such as the graphic 36C and thefeedback area 16C and/or the graphics 36A-D might be associated withoutputs provided for the corresponding feedback area 16A-F.

In an embodiment, the image 10 is one of a number of images included ina book or other set of images. Each of the images in the book mightinclude a registration area 14 that includes a different level(s) of theindicator color and thus is associated with a different template. Assuch, a play pattern or series of outputs provided by the figurine 100for each of the images can be different. In another embodiment, aplurality of such books is provided. Each of the books may include adifferent figurine but, each of the figurines is preprogrammed with thesame templates and with outputs that correspond to the template and tothe individual figurine.

The outputs associated with the levels of indicator colors for a giventemplate can be different for each figurine but are of a similar type ofoutput. For instance, a template might include outputs for three levelsof the indicator color; outputs for a first level being associated witha character laughing; outputs for a second level being associated with acharacter crying; and outputs for a third level being associated withlights and a tactile output. Thus, each figurine includes at least onecharacter laughing output, character crying output, and a light andtactile output but, the outputs need not be the same, e.g. one figurinemight include a boy's voice while a second figurine might include agirl's voice.

As such, the figurines are interchangeably useable with each of thedifferent books. And using the templates, the outputs provided by eachdifferent figurine appropriately correspond with a selected image in aselected book. For example, the figurine 100 might be used with anotherbook of images that illustrate a space scene. Using the templateidentified via the registration area on the space scene image thefigurine's outputs appropriately correspond to the feedback areas of thespace scene image, e.g. an audible output of a character laughing isprovided upon encountering a feedback area in the space scene image inwhich the figurine 100 would be expected to laugh.

In an alternate embodiment, the figurine 100/200 can be used inconnection with a collection of items to enhance an event, such as abirthday party. Attendees of the party would be given a figurine 100/200as a party favor. The figurine 100/200 would generally be of a shapethat complements the theme of the party. For example, if it is aprincess themed birthday party, the figurine 100/200 may take the formof a princess. Decorations and party supplies that help create the themecould be used in connection with the figurine 100/200. For example, theprincess themed paper plates and napkins that the kids use for theirsnack/cake can have feedback areas thereon such that their figurinestalk to them upon scanning that portion of the plate/napkin. Thefigurine may provide a message related to the item (e.g., “A princessalways uses a napkin to wipe her mouth after eating.”) Similarly, otherparty décor items may be provided that contain feedback areas (similarto 16A-16E) or hidden graphics (similar to 36A-D) printed thereon. Forexample, game cards may be distributed to the kids for them to scan withtheir figurine to see what they can get the figurine to say. Other takehome items, such as sheets and stickers may be given to the kids as theyleave so they can extend the party fun after the party is over.Additionally, coordinating thank you cards can be provided with feedbackareas/hidden graphics so the attendee child can hear yet anotherpersonalized message from the figurine (e.g., “Thanks again forattending the birthday party! Hope you had a great time, friend.”).

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the scopeof the claims below. Embodiments of the technology have been describedwith the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternativeembodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after andbecause of reading it. Alternative means of implementing theaforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of theclaims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility andmay be employed without reference to other features and subcombinationsand are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

What claimed is:
 1. A system for interactive play with a printed image,the system comprising: a printed image having a plurality of feedbackareas defined therein, each of the plurality of feedback areas having anindicator color printed therein; a figurine that is positionable on theprinted image at one of the plurality of feedback areas; a light sourcedisposed in the figurine that reveals the indicator color at the desiredlocation; a light sensor disposed in the figurine that senses theindicator color revealed by the light source at the desired location;and an output component that provides a predetermined output associatedwith the indicator color at the desired location.
 2. The system of claim1, further comprising: a controller disposed in the figurine thatrandomly selects one of one or more predetermined outputs associatedwith the indicator color and provides it to the output component.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the light source and the light sensor areactivated by pressing the figurine onto the printed image.
 4. The systemof claim 1, wherein the printed image is one or more of a game board, aposter, pages in a book, a greeting card, a foldable play mat, a storyboard, and an instructional image.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein theprinted image is a plurality of printed images on pages of a book, eachof the printed images having a different feedback area.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the indicator color of each feedback area is differentand is associated with one or more unique outputs.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the output is one or more of an audio output, a visualoutput, and a tactile output.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein theoutput is an audible reading of a script or story associated with theprinted image.
 9. A method for interactive play with a printed image,the method comprising: providing a printed image having a plurality offeedback areas, each of the plurality of feedback areas having anindicator color printed therein; providing a figurine that includes alight source configured to illuminate the indicator color, a sensorconfigured to sense a wavelength of light reflected from the indicatorcolor, and a plurality of predetermined outputs associated with eachwavelength of light of each indicator color; sensing, by the sensor inthe figurine, a first indicator color printed in a first feedback areaof the plurality of feedback areas; determining, by the controller, afirst predetermined output of the plurality of predetermined outputsassociated with the wavelength of the first indicator color; andproviding the first predetermined output.
 10. The method of claim 9,further comprising: sensing, by the sensor in the figurine, a secondindicator color printed in a second feedback area of the plurality offeedback areas; determining, by the controller, a second predeterminedoutput of the one or more predetermined outputs associated with thewavelength of the second indicator color, wherein the secondpredetermined output is different than the first predetermined output;and providing the second predetermined output.
 11. The method of claim9, wherein the printed image is a plurality of printed images collectedinto a book.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the first predeterminedoutput produced by the figurine is one or more of an audio output, avisual output, or a tactile output that is associated with the printedimage.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first predeterminedoutput is an audio output of sounds and dialogue associated with acharacter related to the figurine and the book.
 14. An apparatus forinteractive play with a printed image, the apparatus comprising: a bodyconfigured to be placed in contact with or adjacent to a surface havingan image printed thereon, the image including a plurality of feedbackareas, the plurality of feedback areas each having an indicator colorprinted therein; a light source disposed in the body that exposes thesurface to light emitted by the light source, the light source beingconfigured to illuminate the surface; a light sensor disposed in thebody that receives light from the light source that is reflected off thesurface; a controller disposed in the body that determines a firstoutput from a plurality of predetermined outputs associated with theindicator colors to be provided upon activating the light source and thelight sensor by pressing the body to the surface at a feedback area; andan output component that provides one of the outputs associated with theindicator colors based on the light received by the light sensor, theoutput being one or more of an audio output, visual output, and atactile output.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the bodyresembles an animal-like or humanoid figure and the light source andlight sensor are disposed within a bottom side thereof.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the light source and light sensor areenclosed within a shroud that reduces interference from environmentallight.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the surface is one of aplurality of pages in a story book.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17,wherein the output is an audio output related to the story bookcomprising one or more of sounds, music, or dialogue.
 19. The apparatusof claim 14, wherein the light sensor detects the wavelength of lightreflected off of the surface of a feedback area, wherein each uniqueindicator color reflects light of a different wavelength.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein, upon pressing the body to the surface atan area other than a feedback area, the controller determines that anerror output is selected and the output component provides an erroraudio output.